7 Best Wedding Hotels for Unforgettable Celebrations
Planning your wedding involves many exciting decisions, and choosing the perfect hotel for your big day is a crucial one. The right hotel can provide a beautiful setting, exceptional service, and memorable experiences for you and your guests.
What makes a wedding hotel standout is not just its luxury, but also how well it caters to your unique needs and desires. Whether you dream of a beachside ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or a cozy mountain lodge, there are hotels that can make your vision come to life.
1) The Plaza Hotel, New York
The Plaza Hotel in New York is the perfect spot for an elegant wedding. Located at the intersection of Central Park and Fifth Avenue, it offers stunning views and a prime location. This historic hotel has been a landmark since 1907 and continues to be one of the most sought-after venues in the city.
You can enjoy multiple venue options within the hotel, such as the Grand Ballroom, famous for hosting lavish events like Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball. This ballroom can accommodate large gatherings and provides an opulent setting for your special day.
If you are looking for a more intimate setting, the Terrace Room is another great choice. It offers a beautiful space that merges classic elegance with modern amenities. Wedding packages for Saturdays start at $375 per person for up to 200 guests, making it a versatile option for many couples.
Planning your wedding at The Plaza is made easy. The Knot offers detailed information and contact options for arranging your dream wedding at this iconic hotel. For more details, check out their wedding page.
Four Seasons Resort, Maui
You won’t find many places as beautiful as the Four Seasons Resort in Maui. Picture golden sands, lush tropical greenery, and tall palm trees. The clear blue waves of the Pacific make an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding.
One of the best things about this resort is their “one wedding a day” policy. This ensures you’ll have the entire place to yourself on your special day. It feels like your own private paradise.
They offer several wedding packages that take care of everything. From flowers and cake to decorations and photography, they’ve got it covered. You can even add some special touches with Hawaiian traditions.
Your guests will also enjoy special rates on accommodations. This includes beautiful rooms with amazing views. Plus, you’ll get a special rate for your stay when you book a wedding ceremony package.
If you want to impress your guests, consider optional enhancements like the Oceanfront Lawn or a visit to the Spa and Salon. These extra touches can make your wedding even more memorable.
3) The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is a dreamy beachfront spot perfect for weddings. Located on 13 miles of beautiful beach, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor options.
The resort’s elegant ballrooms feature crystal chandeliers and dynamic floral arrangements. Imagine exchanging vows under lush palm trees or on the dune-lined beach.
Guests will be impressed by the luxurious amenities. There’s a spa and 18 holes of championship golf for everyone to enjoy. The hotel also features more than 48,000 square feet of conference space.
For those looking for an exclusive experience, the Club Level provides a private retreat with a variety of culinary offerings throughout the day. This includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and cordials.
You can tailor your wedding to your unique desires at this stunning location. Make unforgettable memories with a romantic beach wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
4) Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Belmond El Encanto is a beautiful place for your wedding. Located in Santa Barbara, this hotel is perfect for outdoor and indoor ceremonies. The venue offers stunning views of the ocean and lush gardens.
You can choose from several event spaces. The Riviera Ballroom is one option, with 3,000 square feet of space. It opens onto a heated patio, ideal for welcome cocktails.
If you prefer outdoor ceremonies, you can consider the Arbor by the lily pond. This area can accommodate up to 200 guests. The setting provides a naturally lovely backdrop for your wedding photos.
The hotel has a rich history, too. Opened in 1918, it has hosted many notable guests. For example, Hollywood royalty like William Clark Gable have stayed here.
To make your day perfect, the venue’s expert team is ready to help. They can handle all the details, ensuring you have a magical wedding day.
Learn more about the Belmond El Encanto on their website.
5) Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur is a fabulous choice for a wedding. This stunning hotel is located on the banks of Lake Pichola, giving you breathtaking views. The architecture and decor of the hotel showcase luxurious elegance and charm.
For your guests, this venue offers top-notch accommodations. The hotel has 87 rooms available, which can provide a cozy and grand stay for everyone attending. Each room is designed with comfort and style in mind.
The dining options at Oberoi Udaivilas are also impressive. They offer a variety of delicious meals that cater to different tastes. Whether your guests prefer vegetarian or non-vegetarian options, the hotel has something for everyone.
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but the staff here are ready to help. They provide event management services to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. Services like valet parking, lighting, and guest accommodations add to the convenience.
For an unforgettable wedding experience, consider booking the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur.
6) Ashford Castle, Ireland
Ashford Castle in County Mayo is a dreamy spot for your wedding. This 800-year-old castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a serene lake. The historic charm and modern luxury make it a perfect choice.
You can pick from different elegant rooms for your ceremony. The Connaught and Inglenook rooms are perfect for small gatherings of up to 40 guests. The staff at Ashford Castle is dedicated to making your day special.
Ashford Castle is not just about the ceremony. You and your guests can enjoy the award-winning spa, ranked as Ireland’s best for six years. The views from the rooms and suites are breathtaking, with some set in castle turrets.
Another option within the estate is The Lodge at Ashford Castle. It offers a stylish venue with rooms and suites designed for ultimate comfort. The Lodge is known for its top-class cuisine, led by an award-winning chef.
An intimate or lavish affair, Ashford Castle can cater to your needs. The setting, amenities, and exceptional service will ensure your wedding is unforgettable. For more details, visit Ashford Castle’s wedding page.
7) The Little Nell, Aspen
The Little Nell is a stunning wedding venue located in Aspen, Colorado. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it offers breathtaking views of the Elk Mountain Range, perfect for both intimate and large weddings. You can host ceremonies with up to 250 seated guests or 500 standing guests.
One of the standout features is the Wedding Deck. Located at an elevation of 11,212 feet, it provides sweeping views of Aspen. Imagine exchanging vows three miles above the town. It’s a picture-perfect setting.
The hotel itself has 92 guest rooms and suites, ensuring your guests a luxurious stay. It’s also conveniently located just 12 minutes from the Aspen Airport, making travel easy for everyone.
For those looking for detailed pricing information, you can find a comprehensive guide on Bridespedia. The average base cost for a wedding at The Little Nell is around $57,000, calculated for a 125-person guest list on a Saturday night.
If you want to learn more about what makes this venue one of the top choices in Aspen, check out this review.
Choosing The Perfect Wedding Hotel
Picking the right wedding hotel comes down to key factors like location, services offered, and food options. Pay attention to these to ensure your big day goes smoothly.
Location And Accessibility
When choosing a hotel, location is crucial. You want a venue that’s easy for guests to reach.
Consider if it’s close to major highways or airports. If you expect many out-of-town guests, having a hotel that’s convenient can ease travel stress.
Check if there’s ample parking and whether the hotel offers shuttle services. This can make moving back and forth easier for everyone.
You also want to consider nearby attractions for your guests to enjoy before or after the ceremony.
Wedding Packages And Services
Look at what kinds of wedding packages the hotel offers. Many include perks like decorations, setups, and audiovisual equipment. This can save you a lot of planning time and stress.
Ask if the hotel has an on-site wedding planner. These professionals can help coordinate the details, ensuring everything goes smoothly. Some hotels provide additional services such as spa facilities or bridal suites for getting ready, adding that extra touch to your special day.
Catering And Menus
The food at your wedding is a big deal. Many hotels offer in-house catering with a variety of menu options. You can often choose between plated dinners, buffets, or cocktail receptions.
Check if the hotel can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. It’s helpful if the hotel allows for menu tastings before you make the final decision. This ensures you’re confident in the quality and flavor of the food being served.
Ambiance And Decor
The ambiance and decor of a wedding venue can set the tone for the entire event. Factors like the choice between indoor and outdoor settings, customizing the decor to match your vision, and effective lighting options are crucial for creating a memorable experience.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Venues
Choosing between an indoor or outdoor venue can greatly affect the ambiance of your wedding.
Indoor venues, like ballrooms or chapels, often offer controlled environments with elegant décor such as chandeliers and luxury furnishings. These settings are perfect for formal weddings and offer protection from unpredictable weather.
Outdoor venues, on the other hand, provide natural beauty and often require less decoration. Beach weddings, like those at the Sanderling Resort in North Carolina, capitalize on scenic views and ocean breezes. Gardens and vineyards, such as those near the Mayacamas Mountains, offer a romantic atmosphere ideal for couples looking for an enchanting, natural setting.
Customizing The Decor
The choice between indoor and outdoor settings, customizing the decor to match your vision, and effective lighting options are crucial for creating a memorable experience.
Customizing your wedding decor allows you to add personal touches to your special day. Many venues, such as the Caruso, A Belmond Hotel along the Amalfi Coast, offer the option to work with their experts in crafting unique decor.
Elements like flowers, drapes, and table settings can be tailored to reflect your theme or color scheme.
For destination weddings, it’s essential to consider local elements. Incorporate regional flowers and cultural decor to create an immersive experience. Venues like the Four Seasons Punta de Mita offer luxurious amenities and customizable decor options, helping you create a setting that feels both personal and grand.
Lighting Options
Lighting plays a significant role in setting the mood for your wedding. There are various lighting options to consider. These range from soft, romantic candlelight to dramatic uplighting and fairy lights. For indoor settings, chandeliers and wall sconces provide an elegant touch.
In outdoor venues, you can consider string lights, lanterns, or even torches for a rustic yet magical feel. Modern technology also allows for more creative lighting solutions. For example, programmable LED lights that can match your wedding colors. Venues like the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City offer various lighting options to enhance the overall ambiance of the event.